What is Mustard Seed Licensed Forensic Social Work?

 

Mustard Seed is a licensed forensic counseling service that works exclusively with people who have committed sexual offenses.  Most of our client base is made up of people who have been remanded to NYS Probation as part of a sentence that they were given for committing a sexual crime.  As part of probation they are also required to attend weekly counseling sessions.  The primary goal of these sessions is to help the client not to re-offend.  In doing this our treatment covers all areas of a person's life.  To that end the client often finds resolution of many issues in their lives.

 

Who attends Mustard Seed?

 

Primarily our clients are people from age 12 and up who have committed a sexual offense.  They are generally on probation or have been charged with a crime and have not yet been convicted.  We also have a growing population that comes to Mustard Seed before a sexual offense occurs.  This group seeks resolutions to issues in their lives before these issues become serious in nature.  Mustard Seed has both male and female clients.

 

How is Mustard Seed qualified to work with sex offenders?

 

The owners of Mustard Seed are fully licensed social workers.   They have been working with sexual offenders for over a decade.  They have seen over 3000 clients.  Mustard Seed is a primary provider for NYC Probation for people who have been convicted of a sexual crime.  They have also been commended by community leaders for their work in the community and with this population.

 

How long does the Mustard Seed program take?

 

When a client enters Mustard Seed they attend weekly group sessions.  These sessions go through a structured program that lasts between 3 and 4 years.   NYS Probation may also require monthly attendance until probation is completed.

 

Can a person be "cured" of deviant sexual behavior?

 

This is a very difficult question to answer.  First there are many levels of sexual offense.  On the lower level, often arrest and treatment put the client in a position to never offend again.  As the level of intensity of crime increases it becomes more difficult for a person to deal with issues that cause re-offense.  That said, often the people who have a higher sexual level of crime are more eager to find resolution to their problems and therefore work harder and successfully win the battle over their sexual deviant behavior.  We have found that when clients take their treatment seriously, then the results are most often very positive.

 

Will a sex offender re-offend?

 

It is unlikely that a person who takes treatment seriously will re-offend.  Re-offense is a very complicated subject.  Many factors go into why a person would offend in the first place.  Not having good employment, family issues and issues with friends all contribute to the desire to offend.  Often time our society creates laws that are counterproductive to a person's recovery.  For a sexual offender on probation, good paying jobs are hard to find.  Family relationships are often in turmoil.  At Mustard Seed we are constantly addressing these issues as part of an ongoing program.  Our counselors are available 24/7 for clients who might need help.

 

When and where are your meetings?

 

Meeting take place Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  There are morning afternoon and evening sessions.  

 

How long are your sessions?

 

Each group session lasts for 1 1/2 hours.

 

Who are sex offenders?

 

For the purpose of Mustard Seed, a sexual offender is a person who has been convicted of a sexually deviant crime.  There are many levels of sexual offenders.  From state to state definitions of illegal sexually deviant behavior vary.  At Mustard Seed we view the impact of sexual behavior on the victim, the client and the community.  We reference the laws of New York State as a standard but go beyond those laws to construct thinking that gives our client an understanding of the impact of their actions on others.  

 

 

Is Mustard Seed a religious organization?

 

Mustard Seed is a licensed counseling service that abides by the laws of New York State.  We are not associated with any church or religious organization.  Our founders are men of faith and believe in restorative justice.  We respect all client's rights to have faith and encourage them to share their faith as part of their recovery.  We also respect clients who are not religious.

 

Do Clients like coming to Mustard Seed?

 

Because most of our clients are remanded to attend Mustard Seed as part of their probation, they often start their journey not wanting to be part of Mustard Seed.  Within a very short time they often become very engaged in the process of recovery.  They find a place where they can share the deepest secretes without being demeaned.  When our clients are nearing the end of treatment, they are loyal to the Mustard Seed model.  They have seen their lives transformed and have built many lasting friendships.

 

Does Mustard Seed Help Victims of Sexual Abuse?

 

As part of treatment our clients become more knowledgeable as to how their behavior has impacted their victims.  Often the victims are family members.   Our clients are encouraged to engage others in their community to inform others about the consequences of sexual abuse.   We believe that this is one of the most affective ways to stop sexual abuse with little or no cost.

 

The owners of Mustard Seed also created a not for profit organization that helps treat victims of sexual abuse. Mustard Seed Survivor Empowerment Foundation is now servicing the need of those who have been abused. This organization has grown quickly and is now making a powerful impact on our community.